Anna Daniels
Sometimes, a film’s villain is hiding in plain sight the whole time. As a result, audiences are treated to a pretty epic bad guy twist, when the villain reveals their true identity … and that’s exactly what happens in 2017’s Wonder Woman. Throughout the DC film, audiences are led to believe that Diana (Gal Gadot) and Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) must defeat two high-ranking German officials named General Erich Ludendorff (Danny Huston) and Dr. Isabel Maru, known as Dr. Poison (Elena Anaya), both of whom are trying to craft a deadlier form of mustard gas. However, as Diana and Steve fight their way through war in Europe, they end up encountering the film’s real villain after they manage to take down the Germans.
As it turns out, Ares the god of war is responsible for the fighting and turmoil, and as Diana’s half-brother, he’s been right under her nose the entire time. Sir Patrick Morgan (David Thewlis), who’s introduced as a peace speaker, is actually Ares in disguise, and at the film’s climax, he sheds his human persona to go up against Diana once and for all. By defeating Ares, Diana realizes that she, not the sword of legend, is the world’s real “Godkiller,” infusing new life into this determined heroine and giving her a big win in her cinematic debut. Ultimately, Ares’ two radically different personas and Thewlis’ convincing performance elevate both the villain and the film itself.
Written by: Looper
